Fuel tank foam replacement cost

[P_Mac]

So, I've been beset by the disintegrating foam demon. I've been in contact with Fuel Safe, and they're quoting me about $250 for replacement foam. Is that about what I should be expecting to pay? They didn't know what kind of tank would be in the car, so this is for a custom piece cut to the interior dimensions I gave them.

Just seems a bit steep is all...

[PanozDuke]

P Mac
Monday I ordered foam for my 32 gal cell (33+x17+x14+) JAZ pn 369-032-11 from Poly Performance in California. $141.95, $161.42 with shipping to Texas. Best price I could find. I haven't got it so I have no feedback on it or the install.

Mike

[boothkc]

Fuel safe sold us uncut blocks for $180 about a year ago. I dont think you will be able to fit a single large block w/o removing the cell or the rear body parts....PIA! We cut it into 4 pieces with a bread knife. Leave a cavity under the filler to use a dip stick to measure fuel level. 1/2" wood dowel works great as a fuel gauge.

Kevin GTS/GTRA

[PanozDuke]

I received my fuel cell foam, JAZ pn 369-032-11. I don't recommend it. The "kit" consists of 11 blocks of foam 14x6x4 each. After trying as many schemes as I could imagine, I'll need seven more blocks to fill the 32 gallon blatter as it was by Fuel Safe. The Fuel Safe foam I removed was about 7 or 8 pieces cut vertically front to rear. It fit the inside of the cell like a glove. Unfortunately, it had begun to sluff small particles and plugged up the in-tank screen and I found some in the fuel filter as well. I don't know what other suppliers might provide, but JAZ wasn't very helpful. Apparently they think only filling the blatter about half is all that is needed. Probably explains their "competitive" pricing. My in-tank hoses were also stating to deteriorate as well. Blue like the overflow hose but 3/8.

Mike

[P_Mac]

Update: $250 or thereabouts from Fuel Safe, went in the other day, and I ran for the first time yesterday with no problems at all. They were pretty helpful at FS, and it shipped quickly as well. The guys at the track where I store the car put it in, and had no problems.

So, pricey, but it works.

[panozracing]

i got 9 year old tanks. The foam is perfect but the bladder is leaking in one car and the other car is fine all around. Our problem is the welds on metal case on both cars are coming apart (a little rusty too) and getting the case out is a PIA and welding inside the car is PIA. Buying a new case is silly when a little welding and paint and its all good. Basically I need a new bladder (I could reuse the foam I guess seems pretty old though), I have to remove both tank cases and weld and repaint. WHAT A PAIN! Racing is rough work!

I could let the bladder leak? Whats a little 112 leaded race fuel leak amongst friends?

[boothkc]

Brian,
we replaced the fuel cells in both the GTS cars recently. The new ones aren't quite the same and require some fabrication to fit (need to be notched and new straps etc.).....so new bladder may be a time saver after all.

Kevin

[panozracing]

ok...thanks....now to tackle getting them out....did you have to remove the roof or just loosen the screws?

[Blue Streak 21]

As I was checking my foam this past weekend I noticed that one of the two straps holding the fuel tank to the frame was broken. The strap was snapped where it made the final bend creating the flange that is fastened to the frame. The metal strap was fatigued because of the bend. I took it to my shop and welded it back together. Check your straps, especially the ones on the far side of the tank. They're not the most visible unless you get the car up on a lift or stands.

[gamacdon]

fuel cell removal can be done without removing top, you do need to remove nuts securing roof into the roll cage located above rear window. this will give you enough play in the plastic body to remove cell. an extra pair of hands is very helpful. I just did mine, same problems, rust, seams pulling apart and foam.

[boothkc]

Brian we had most of the plastic body of for a repaint so that helped. The cell in the GTS is 32 Gal vs. 27 in my GTA so not sure if they will all come out w/o removing the rear bumper and surround. 2 people make it easier and if you get a new cell you have to make new straps or see if Pz now has some.

BTW one of my favorite additions is a fuel flow meter you can get these on line at most marine stores (eg Boat US or Westmarine) for $150-250 and they have a great totalizer function that helps with fuel loads. Wont work with fuel injected cars that have a return line. Single gauge and inline sensor.

Northstar is the I used http://www.diguniverse.com/MARINE-AN...ERS/28843.html

Kevin